All funds raised directly support childhood cancer research, advocacy, and patient support.
Click to be directed to the American Cancer Society Gold Together page
Gold Together is a movement started from the vision and positive energy of childhood brain cancer survivor and Relay For Life volunteer, Cole Eicher. Cole’s dream is simple “Let’s work together to have a greater impact, more options, and better outcomes for kids fighting cancer.” The first Relay For Life Gold Together for childhood cancer team started in St. Petersburg, Florida in 2014. It has grown into a budding national movement with Gold Together for childhood cancer teams created nationally in over 117 communities in 2021.
All funds raised directly support childhood cancer research, advocacy, and patient support.
Join or create a Gold Together team in your community
Individuals are welcome to join the national virtual team. National Virtual Relay For Life USA
Resource to learn more about being a Gold Together team captain: Relay Team Captain Digital Resource
Watch Gold Together athletic activism video. Cole Eicher is dedicated to being a voice for courageous kids .
Mission
“I believe that everyone can do something to help kids fighting cancer.”-Cole Eicher
Diagnosed with a brain tumor at 12-years-old, Cole decided to help other kids fighting cancer.
“When I was in the cancer floor and I would walk by all the rooms filled with kids, I saw that they were often too small or too sick to speak out and help others. I knew then that I must speak for them and other kids fighting cancer. Even healthy kids like myself can get sick. We need gentler treatments and more cures.” - Cole Eicher
Cole’s Story
Cole Eicher, Founder of Gold Together for childhood cancer
Cole Eicher has experienced more in his young 20 years than most people have in a lifetime. His passion is soccer, having played since he was seven. His most memorable experience was traveling to Munich, Germany with his team to play the Bayern Munich U12 team.
He has modeled since the age of seven, most notably working in the major motion picture, Dolphin Tale 2. He’s also been cast in commercials and various national and international companies such as Walt Disney, Marriott, Publix, Target, JC Penney, US Polo and Next Directory.
At the age of 12, he suffered symptoms of unexplained morning nausea, vomiting and dizziness that lasted for three days, then went away. Six weeks later it came back with a vengeance. He was initially diagnosed with adolescent migraines, But on February 1st, 2014, a MRI determined that Cole had a golf ball sized tumor in his brain.
His type of cancer, called Medulloblastoma (Med-you-low blast-oh-ma) was treated with surgery and nine months of powerful, sometimes painful treatment. But Cole remained strong. He endured thirty rounds of radiation to the brain and spine, four months of high dose chemotherapy combined with an autologous stem-cell rescue and transplant protocol. Since his treatment ended in October 2014, Cole still officially shows “no evidence of disease” . However, he will be monitored closely for the rest of his life.
Cole’s faith and support from others got him through the tough treatment protocol. He wants more people to become aware and support childhood cancer believing that “Everyone can do something to help kids fighting cancer.”
Looking back to what his earlier years have taught him Cole realizes that everything he learned assists him in helping kids today. As a midfielder, his job is to help others on his team make the goal, He proudly plays that role off the soccer field too. His experience in front of the camera gives him the confidence he needs to “be a voice for kids fighting cancer.”
Gratitude helps Cole remember what he can do versus what he can’t. He greatly appreciates every effort of support.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Gold Together Impact
Since 2014, Gold Together has raised over 6 million dedicated to childhood cancer.
Gold Together, American Cancer Society, 2014 - present
2021 Gold Together initiatives raised just under 4 million engaging over 50,000 volunteers.
2020 National Launch of Gold Together Champions Campaign brought together 286 participants raising over $300,000 nationally in September, 2020.
2018 National launch of Relay for Life Gold Together teams. 173 teams in 2020 and 125 in 2019 raising funds dedicated to childhood cancer.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, St. Petersburg, FL, June 2015
$10,000 raised to fund a “Teen Lounge” on the oncology floor so that teens will have a space to connect and take their minds off of cancer.
Celebrity Appearances, 2014 - 2016
Contacted, coordinated and appeared with Nathan Gamble and Austin High-smith, Dolphin Tale 2 actors during their visits to Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital. Providing memorable experiences for patients.
Tampa Bay Rowdies, Gold Together September Childhood Cancer Awareness Matches. Over $300,000 given to childhood cancer charities.
September 2018: Raised $80,000 for Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital dedicated to the Benjamin Gilkey Fund for innovative research, The Children’s Dream fund and Bay Star Family Retreat.
September 2017: Raised $50,000 for Johns Hopkins All Children's pediatric cancer research fund and $6,000 for the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation.
September 2016: Raised $101,000 with six North American Soccer teams participating. Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital received $76,000 and the American Cancer Society received $25,000 dedicated to childhood cancer research.
September 2015: Raised $65,000 for seven local childhood cancer organizations.
Recognition:
Tedx talk @ Palm Harbor, Florida 2019
Anne Frank Humanitarian Award Nominee, 2019 (Florida Holocaust Museum)
Rise Award Courage Category, 2018 presented by LIFT Academy
Tampa Bay Sports Commission Community Hero, 2017
Tampa Bay Lightning Community Hero, 2015
Tampa Bay Youth Philanthropist of the Year, 2015
Emmy Award Winning Community Service PSA, 40th Annual Suncoast Regional Emmy Awards, Cole’s Relay For Life, Jenesis Creative, Inc.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital, Teen Advisory Council Member, 2015- 2018, elected 2017/18 co-chair
Cattle Baron’s Ball, Jr Honorary Chair, 2018 & 2017
Speaking engagements: Pre-schools, pro athletes, podcasts, radio, television and elected officials.
Advocacy through ACS Cancer Action Network, Kids v. Cancer and Gabriella Miller Kids First Act 2.0, and Childhood Cancer Alliance Advocacy days.
Tampa Bay Lightning, Tampa Bay Rowdies, Tampa Yankees, Tampa Bay Storm, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chicago Cubs, Major League Soccer Red Bulls and Montreal Impact
American Cancer Society, Dick Vitale Gala V-Foundation, National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, Children’s Cancer Center, Children’s Dream Fund, Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital and BayStar Family Retreat
Event Photos
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